Istanbul's bazaars - past to present --- discover Istanbul's commercial district and oriental bazaars where little has changed through centuries;


Tour starts at the Grand Bazaar; we take you to backstage of this old market venue, unknown to travelers, to see the workshops where gold is melted, how artisans engrave on silver, as well as the poor men’s stock market!
We take the back streets off the Grand Bazaar in Mahmutpasa district to see the workshops, historic hans and caravanserais, most of which are still in business. You will come across with several artisans, meet the last adze handle maker in the district, chat with marpuc (mouth piece of a waterpipe) makers, photograph gold mould makers... You will get to know the complex structure, in other words the pillars, that supported Istanbul's economy through centuries.
Walk ends at the Spice Market; built centuries ago to promote spice trade in the city, and it still serves essentially the same purpose.

tour duration: approximately 6-8 hours
walking: moderate